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Yak Chew Size Guide: Which Size for Your Dog?

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Highland Yak Chew Team
6 min read
Two pugs sniffing a Highland Yak Chew pack held out to them in front of an open gift box

Two pugs sniffing a Highland Yak Chew pack held out to them in front of an open gift box

Yak Chew Size Guide: Which Size for Your Dog?

Getting the size right is the most useful thing you can do to make a yak chew safe. A chew that is too small can be swallowed whole. One that is a little too big simply lasts longer.

Here is how to choose.

Our Sizes at a Glance

Each chew is cut from a natural block of hard cheese, so weights vary a little. That is why we give a range.

SizeChew weightDog weightExample breeds
Small30–40 gabout 5–10 kgJack Russell, Miniature Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Pug
Medium60–80 gabout 10–25 kgCocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Staffie
Large100–120 gover 25 kgLabrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer

Breed examples are a rough guide — always go by your own dog’s weight.

Highland Yak Chew size panel: small chews for dogs 5–10 kg, medium for 10–25 kg, large for dogs over 25 kg
Highland Yak Chew size panel: small chews for dogs 5–10 kg, medium for 10–25 kg, large for dogs over 25 kg

Step 1: Start With Weight

Weigh your dog, or use their last weight from the vet, and find their row in the table above. If they sit near the top of a range, lean towards the next size up.

Step 2: Adjust for Chewing Style

Weight gets you close. How your dog chews decides the rest.

Infographic of four chewer types — gentle, moderate, power and picky — to help choose a yak chew size
Infographic of four chewer types — gentle, moderate, power and picky — to help choose a yak chew size
  • Gentle chewers take their time and lick and nibble. The size for their weight is right.
  • Moderate chewers enjoy a good chew without trying to destroy it. Stick with the size for their weight and watch the first session.
  • Power chewers try to crack and crunch. Go one size up. A Staffie at 18 kg who demolishes toys will do better with a Large than a Medium.
  • Picky chewers may need a flavour they like. Try [strawberry](/products/strawberry-dog-chew), [blueberry](/products/blueberry-dog-chew) or [turmeric](/products/turmeric-dog-chew), or a [mixed bundle](/products/the-pawfect-pack) to find a favourite.
  • Step 3: Check the Fit

    When you first hand over the chew, it should be too big to fit fully inside your dog’s mouth. If your dog can close their mouth around the whole thing, it is too small.

    Very Small Dogs (Under 5 kg)

    Toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians can still enjoy a Small chew, as long as it is clearly too large to swallow and you supervise. Many tiny dogs find puff treats easier — they are light, crunchy and easy for small jaws.

    Puppies and Older Dogs

  • Puppies: we suggest waiting until at least four months. Choose a size based on their expected adult weight, keep sessions short, and supervise.
  • Senior dogs: if your dog’s teeth are worn or sensitive, puffed pieces are gentler than a full hard chew.
  • Border Collie chewing a yak chew beside a checklist: size, texture, duration and supervision
    Border Collie chewing a yak chew beside a checklist: size, texture, duration and supervision

    Multi-Dog Households

    If you have dogs of different sizes, buy for the biggest chewer, or give each dog their own chew in their own space. Some dogs guard chews, and a small dog may pick up a chew that is the wrong size for them.

    When It Gets Small

    Whatever size you buy, take the chew away once it is small enough to swallow and puff the end piece in the microwave. We explain how in how long do yak chews last.

    Still unsure? Send us a message with your dog’s weight and breed and we will recommend a size.

    Ready to Try One?

    Use code FRANK10 at checkout for 10% off your order. UK delivery is a flat £1.99, and orders usually arrive within 3–5 working days. Browse all our chews, start with a Classic Yak Chew, or send us a message if you are not sure which one to pick.

    Common Questions

    What size yak chew should I get for my dog?

    Go by weight first: our Small chew (30–40 g) suits dogs of about 5–10 kg, Medium (60–80 g) suits about 10–25 kg, and Large (100–120 g) suits dogs over 25 kg. If your dog is a strong chewer or sits near the top of a range, choose the next size up.

    Is it better to go bigger or smaller with a yak chew?

    Bigger. A chew that is too small can be swallowed whole or in large pieces. A chew that is a little too big just lasts longer. If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one.

    What size yak chew for a dog under 5 kg?

    Very small dogs such as Chihuahuas and toy breeds can still enjoy a Small chew with supervision, as long as it is too big to fit fully in their mouth. Many tiny dogs find puffed yak treats easier, because they are light and easy to bite through.

    What size yak chew for a Labrador?

    Most adult Labradors weigh over 25 kg, so a Large chew (100–120 g) is the right starting point. Labradors are often keen chewers, so supervise the first few sessions.

    What size yak chew for a Cocker Spaniel?

    Most Cocker Spaniels weigh around 12–16 kg, which puts them in our Medium size (60–80 g). If your Cocker is a determined chewer, try a Large.

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    Ready to treat your dog?

    Browse our full range of natural yak milk chews, Himalayan puff treats, and Highland mix chews — all grain-free, all natural.

    Use code FRANK10 for 10% off your order.

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